Tripoli and Tyre

Hi,
I had no problem buying evacuation/medical insurance for Lebanon last year.
Told my agent where I was going.
Do not think you can go as far south as you want because of Lebanese restrictions.
I went to Tripoli with no problem by driver/car.
Bit expensive but I was the only person he cared about.

It sems too me that these warnings (Tyr and the South, Tripoli, Northern Bekaa) are at the homepages of Western European Ministeries of Foreign Affairs since years........
but I never heard about an agression against tourists ......
You may phone to a Lebanese travel agency like
http://www.nakhal.com/ContactUs.aspx
http://www.nakhal.com/Sub.aspx?pageid=344

I was in Tripoli last month making a film and visited Beddawi refugee camp and other areas in the northern suburbs of the city, some of which have seen serious sectarian violence between Sunnis and Alaouites in recent years and where tensions remain - but if you're visiting the city for touristic purposes (old city, souq,etc.) then I can't imagine you would have any need to be in these areas, and I don't think I'd recommend seeking them out. That said, I met a lot of people who visited the city without any problems whatsoever, same for Tyre - and they're both easily, and cheaply, reached by public transport.

there was some heavy fighting there in the Nahr al Bared refugee camp, north of the city of Tripoli between the Lebaneese army and Al-Qaeda inspired terrorists of Fatah al Islam. More then 140 soldiers where killed and an unknown couple of Fatah Al Islam members. This happend a couple of years ago.
So there is the warning coming from I guess. Stay clear from the refugee camp and you'll be fine.
and yes your old ;-)

Thanks to you all! Indeed these warnings might not be recent. Now my itinerary is complete; I think I'll go to Tyre with a driver, like you did, South_of_60.

You're right, Arjanv, I should know better than getting disturbed by warning!

The warning does not only come from the 2007 Nahr al Bared incident. Sectarian clashes in the al Tabaneh and Jabal Mohsen areas of Tripoli are unfortunately not uncommon, as recently as last week two people were injured in a rocket propelled grenade attack and similar incidents have been occurring over the past few years, some of which have resulted in fatalities.

Nahr al Bared is about 20km north of the city, al Tabaneh is a kilometre or so from the city centre - and while not trying to cause undue concern, as you will most probably not be caught up in any of these incidents or have any reason to be in these areas, simply stating "Stay clear from the refugee camp and you'll be fine" is at best misinformed, at worst dangerous.

OP: To clarify Mr Josefk's last post, both Tabaneh and Jabal Mohsen are north and east of the 'river' which runs through Tripoli. For peace of mind, don't cross the river. There are no tourist sights in that part of town in any case. All the interesting stuff in Tripoli is on the 'safe' side of the river.

I felt perfectly safe in Tyre at all times, but remember that the main reason foreign ministries advise against visiting it is because if it does kick off between Lebanon and Israel again, Tyre is on the front line, and it can be very difficult to get out of during hostilities.

All the interesting stuff in Tripoli is on the 'safe' side of the river

I must admit, I found the 'unsafe' side a lot more interesting ;)

Thanks SPDL, that's the clarification I needed. If the old city is not the areas mentionned by the warning, then I'm fine to go.

{quote:title=mrjosefk wrote:}{quote}
I must admit, I found the 'unsafe' side a lot more interesting ;)

I think I'll prefer to see it in your film!